Chapter 6

We got back to the apartment after eating at McDonald's. Talia looked at me to tell me that we needed to tell Ricky what has been going on.

"TV time?!" Ricky went to the couch and plopped down.

"Uh, no, Rick. We have something we need to tell you," I said.

*Ricky's POV*

"Okay, you guys can tell me anything," I said in a silly voice trying to lighten the mood since I noticed how serious they had both gotten.

Talia and Connor sat down next to me on the couch.

"We've been keeping this secret for about 3 months or so," Talia said looking down.

There was a moment of silence before Connor said, "Talia isn't carrying my baby."

"Okay, I don't understand. Talia, I never thought you would cheat on Connor," I said getting a bit angry.

"I- I would never," Talia said in a quiet voice looking at Connor with tears in her eyes.

My eyes got wide in realization, "You were raped?"

"Yeah," Connor looked down, obviously trying to hide the fact that he was crying, "So, after we found out she was pregnant and that it wasn't mine, I kind of got out of hand. I got really depressed and instead of being there for her, I would go out and get drunk."

"Our relationship got really messy. He would come home and tell me that I was dirty and disgusting," Talia sighed and rubbed her left arm. I noticed a bruise about the size of Connor's hand.

My eyes popped out of my head, "You did that to her?" I shook my head in disbelief.

Connor hung his head, "Yes, it happened Sunday."

I stood up and grabbed him by the collar of his shirt, pulling him close to my face, "Don't you EVER lay your hand on her again, do you understand?"

He nodded and Talia butted in, "Ricky its okay, he didn't hit me. He just gripped my arm really tight.."

"I've already decided to quit drinking. Trust me, I hate myself as much as you do right now," Connor said as I released him.

"I don't hate you. I love you both very much. You two are two of my best friends. That's why I got so angry," I said and hugged Connor and Talia at the same time.

We just sat their for a long time hugging. I finally broke the silence, "Why did you guys tell me that?"